Thursday, June 13, 2013

June 13 Last Day for Giveaway

Last day for the Giveaway. Enter now!
In other news, I'm grateful for air conditioning. I may be slaving away 70+ hours a week, but at least I am in the air conditioner in the --it's not Summer yet-- Summer heat. If this is Spring, be afraid. Be very afraid. For those of you working outside in Atlanta today, I feel for you. Make sure you have plenty ofwater. And once again this evening, we have dangerous storms predicted. Everybody be careful on your way home. In honor of our fair Atlanta weather, I'm including a tip sheet on Heat Stroke from WebMD.

Heat stroke
is the most serious form of heat injury and is a medical emergency. If
you suspect that someone has heat stroke -- also known as sunstroke --
you should call 911 immediately and render first aid until paramedics
arrive.
Heat stroke can kill or cause damage to the brain
and other internal organs. Although heat stroke mainly affects people
over age 50, it also takes a toll on healthy young athletes.
Heat stroke often occurs as a progression from milder heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat syncope (fainting), and heat exhaustion. But it can strike even if you have no previous signs of heat injury.
Heat stroke results from prolonged exposure to high temperatures -- usually in combination with dehydration
-- which leads to failure of the body's temperature control system. The
medical definition of heat stroke is a core body temperature greater
than 105 degrees Fahrenheit, with complications involving the central
nervous system that occur after exposure to high temperatures. Other
common symptoms include nausea, seizures, confusion, disorientation, and sometimes loss of consciousness or coma.

Symptoms of Heat Stroke

The hallmark symptom of heat stroke is a core body temperature above 105 degrees Fahrenheit. But fainting may be the first sign.
Other symptoms may include:

Throbbing headache

Dizziness and light-headedness

Lack of sweating despite the heat

Red, hot, and dry skin

Muscle weakness or cramps

Nausea and vomiting

Rapid heartbeat, which may be either strong or weak

Rapid, shallow breathing

Behavioral changes such as confusion, disorientation, or staggering

Seizures

Unconsciousness

First Aid for Heat Stroke

If
you suspect that someone has a heat stroke, immediately call 911 or
transport the person to a hospital. Any delay seeking medical help can
be fatal.
While waiting for the paramedics to arrive, initiate
first aid. Move the person to an air-conditioned environment -- or at
least a cool, shady area -- and remove any unnecessary clothing.
If
possible, take the person's core body temperature and initiate first
aid to cool it to 101 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. If no thermometers are
available, don't hesitate to initiate first aid.
You may also try these cooling strategies:

Fan air over the patient while wetting his or her skin with water from a sponge or garden hose.

Apply
ice packs to the patient's armpits, groin, neck, and back. Because
these areas are rich with blood vessels close to the skin, cooling them
may reduce body temperature.